Top Box Woes

[The Nutter]

I've had my bike from new (4.5 years) and am on the second top box after the first ones expansion mechanism refused to work, it was a few months old at the time. I'm off to Germany in a week or so for a tour with the wife and just had the 30k service done today. The dealer kindly pointed out that the current box has a split below the release latch and the catch (hope that makes sense).

I'm sure I read somewhere on the site a long time back that the top box was modified as there was a problem with splitting. The part number for mine is
7 665 831. Does anyone know if the new type had a different part number and, if so, would I be able to get BMW to replace it as it was obviously not fit for purpose.

Failing that it looks like I'll have to ratchet strap it to the rear rack as I worry that a plastic repair may well not hold. Anyone in the know that could help please.

 

[Dave Cr]

That's set me thinking, as I also have a top box with the same part number. My dealer told me that this was the updated version, designed to overcome the problem you mentioned. Have to say, though, that I use this top box regularly and even when fully packed for overseas trips has not, as yet, caused any problems. Hope you get yours fixed as a 'goodwill' gesture.

 

[The Nutter]

I've just had a friend turn up with his top box and it has a different part number, the catch looks like two small d-rings instead of my one and the area where mine has split is reinforced with a metal plate. As BMW obviously know there was a problem with the original I would presume that they don't really have a leg to stand on, but we'll see.